Longacres Mile winner Point Piper entered in Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Point Piper wins the Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs on August 14, 2016

(photo by Reed &Erin Palmer/Emerald Downs)

Story by Vince Bruun, Emerald Downs

It looks like Emerald Downs will have a rooting interest in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

Longacres Mile champion Point Piper is entered in the $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Friday, November 4. The 6-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway is among nine runners entered in the Dirt Mile, a list that includes four 3-year-olds led by Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Gun Runner.

Jerry Hollendorfer, trainer of Point Piper, also sends out undefeated Songbird to face Beholder and Stellar Wind in Friday’s main event—the $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at 1-1/8 miles.

Point Piper has raced only once since The Mile, finishing fourth in the Kelso Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park, but continues to train steadily at Santa Anita, and four of his five career victories are at a mile, including his explosive track and state record 1:32.90 at Emerald Downs.

Dortmund, who was nominated and high-weighted at 126 lbs for the Longacres Mile, but who was a no-show for the race, has apparently seen enough of California Chrome—his connections have decided to bypass the Breeders’ Cup Classic and also opt for the Dirt Mile, according to trainer Bob Baffert. Dortmund has been installed as the morning-line 6-to-5 favorite.

Runhappy, winner of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, is also entered in the Dirt Mile. Runhappy is the second choice at 3-to-1.

Point Piper is listed at 20-to-1 on the morning line for the Las Vegas Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, race #7 on the Friday, November 4, race card, scheduled for approximately 3:05 p.m. local (Pacific) time.